Several news sources featured in the Daily Digest may limit the number of articles you can access without a subscription. However, gift articles and open-access links are provided when available. For more open access California water news articles, explore the main page at MavensNotebook.com.
In California water news this weekend …
An ancient law could shape the modern future of America’s beaches. Here’s how.
“If you go to a beach this summer, you might end up sunbathing in disputed territory. That’s partly because of climate change and partly because of a legal principle from the Roman Empire. Most beaches have a natural defense against rising seas: The sandy area simply moves landward. But when property owners install sea walls or other barriers to protect beachfront homes and other buildings, the beach has nowhere to go. So it vanishes underwater. Geologists call it coastal squeeze. It’s not a new problem, but it’s been accelerating recently as climate change causes sea levels to rise. And that’s prompting urgent questions about how coastal landscapes should be managed. Richard K. Norton, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Law, described the situation with a question: “Are you going to save the beach house, or do you want to save the beach?” he said at a recent conference in New York City organized by Columbia University. “Because you cannot save them both.” … ” Read more from the New York Times.
Sites Reservoir advances toward construction with key permitting and contracting milestones
“Today, the Sites Project Authority (Authority) announced two major advancements that move the Sites Reservoir Project (Project) closer to construction. Significant contractor outreach progress and two key environmental permitting milestones indicate that the Authority’s goal of breaking ground on Sites Reservoir by the end of 2026 is within reach. … Additionally, on Wednesday, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued the biological opinion for the construction of the Project, a key permit that analyzes potential impacts of the Project on federally listed endangered and threatened species. The biological opinion also addresses the Project’s construction effects on three species listed as candidates, should they become listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act. In addition, on July 7, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued the Master Streambed Alteration Agreement for the construction of the Project. This is a key permit required to modify local waterways in the construction site during Project construction. … ” Read more from the Sites Project Authority.
Sites Reservoir project faces delays amid rising costs and regulatory hurdles
“The long-debated Sites Reservoir project, intended to capture and store water from the Sacramento River near Maxwell in Colusa County, remains stalled despite decades of discussion and recent efforts to advance it. Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a staunch supporter of the project, expressed concerns over escalating costs, stating, “One of my concerns is the costs continue to creep up on that, making the project, the more time we waste, the more another decade goes by and it’ll become a little more cost prohibitive for some of the districts to want to stay in it and buy the water at the rate there.” Jerry Brown, the executive director of the Sites Project, highlighted the dramatic increase in costs over the past four years. In 2021, the estimated cost was approximately $3.9 billion, but it has now surged to between $6.2 and $6.8 billion. … ” Read more from KRCR.
SEE ALSO: Now Trump is blamed for $2bn surge in cost of building reservoir in drought-plagued California, from MSN News
DELTA CONVEYANCE PROJECT: C-WIN and Friends of the River submit testimony for change in point of diversion hearing
The State Water Resources Control Board’s Administrative Hearings Office is conducting a public hearing regarding the Delta Conveyance Project. The hearing focuses on water right change petitions submitted by the Department of Water Resources that seek to amend the State Water Project’s water rights permit by adding two new points of diversion and rediversion. The purpose of the hearing is to gather evidence for the State Water Board to evaluate whether to approve the petitions and, if approved, to determine the specific terms and conditions to include in the revised water rights permits. Approval of these petitions would grant the Department of Water Resources the authority to divert water from the Sacramento River in the northern Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and transport it via a tunnel to existing water distribution infrastructure in the southern Delta. The California Water Impact Network (C-WIN) and Friends of the River have submitted their written testimony to the State Water Board. … ” Click here to read this post.
Delta flood threats, funding, and the future
On May 2nd, 2025, the Trump Administration announced proposed cuts to the Army Corps of Engineers’ construction budget as part of its FY 2026 “skinny budget” that slashes funds for levee upgrades by 53%. The Delta is a system that is held by a thread by aging levee infrastructure. Due to historic disinvestment, this region has fallen decades behind on critical upgrades and rehabilitation measures to ensure its robust holistic protection. Time and time again, Delta levees are being challenged during wet periods, causing erosion and adding pressure to the levee barrier that protects 600,000 residents and 740,000 acresof land in the Delta” (Hanson, Courthouse News Service). Without this significant investment, Delta levees will remain vulnerable to climate extremes like Atmospheric River Storms which are expected to increase by 10-40% across the Sierra Nevada by mid-century (Huang & Swain). These conditions will only increase flood risk in the San Joaquin Valley. … ” Read more from Restore the Delta.
NOW AVAILABLE: New educational resources for the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program
“The California Department of Conservation’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program is an initiative aimed at addressing groundwater sustainability and supporting communities affected by reduced agricultural water use. The program provides funding to repurpose agricultural lands into uses that deliver multiple benefits, such as habitat restoration, groundwater recharge, and open space creation. The Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) Statewide Support Entity has developed two new educational tools designed to support greater understanding and engagement with MLRP … ” Continue reading at Maven’s Notebook.
Billionaire-backed California Forever has another out-there plan for Solano County
“In between plans to build a 400,000-person city and deep-water shipyard in rural Solano County, the team behind the controversial California Forever project has announced a third concept for the area: a 2,100-acre manufacturing plant called “Solano Foundry.” Jan Sramek, CEO of California Forever, announced the project in an interview with tech writer and podcaster Ashlee Vance at the Reindustrialize conference Thursday in Detroit, as well as with a tweet in which he declared the return of “designed in California, made in California.” A newly published website promises that the project will bring manufacturing back to California with a “40 million-square-foot ecosystem for the most innovative industries, including advanced transportation, robotics, energy, and defense.” It claims Solano Foundry would be the largest advanced manufacturing park in the U.S. and bring 40,000 jobs to the region. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Standard.
L.A. wildfires broke record for costliest in the history of the planet
“The Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles are now the costliest set of wildfires in global history, according to a new insurance industry report. Gallagher Re, a global reinsurance firm, estimates that the January fires caused economic losses of $65 billion, including $40 billion of insured damage. That makes the two blazes the “costliest individual wildfire events ever recorded for the (re)insurance industry,” according to the report released Wednesday. Reinsurance firms provide insurance to insurance companies in order to handle the costs of major catastrophes, such as large wildfires, and closely track the costs of such events. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Podcasts …
VIC BEDOIAN: California’s damage from federal budget cuts
In an online discussion this week, state leaders explained how widespread cuts to federal agencies and programs could impact California in an online discussion this week. The panel was convened by California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. They reviewed the cuts already made to federal staff and future spending decisions now under consideration by Congress. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.
VOICES OF THE VALLEY: Picking memories at Tanaka Farms
Nestled in the heart of Irvine, Calif., Tanaka Farms is morethan just a working farm—it’s a living story of resilience, tradition and community. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers’ Cory Lunde talks to fourth-generation farmer Kenny Tanaka. Join us as we dig into thefarm’s rich history, the vibrant “you-pick” experiences that let visitors harvest their own strawberries, pumpkins and more, and the many educational programs that bring kids and families closer to where their food comes from.
BOILING POINT: Cows, carbon, and fixing our food
Sammy Roth talks with journalist Michael Grunwald about his new book, “We Are Eating the Earth,” which began as a story about food and became a story about land. They explore how agriculture — especially the way we raise livestock and grow crops — has become one of the biggest drivers of climate change. They also unpack realistic solutions, and think about what it means to love hamburgers and also want a livable planet.
WATER MATTERS: Monsoon season
New Mexico’s summer monsoon is upon us. The rainy season began the last week of June, bringing moist air north from the Gulf of California – pumping up flows in drying rivers, wetting forested landscapes and in the process reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires, and perhaps most importantly bringing the visceral joy that of rain.
TALKING UNDER WATER: Cyber resilience and investment strategy in the water sector
In this sponsored episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Bob Crossen spoke with Ian Bramson, vice president of industrial cybersecurity for Black & Veatch about how water utilities can best prepare their cybersecurity efforts and investments. Bramson touches on Black & Veatch’s 2025 Water Report, which found that 95% of utilities now prioritize cybersecurity investment, a growing number. Throughout the interview, Bramson explains what to learn from previous cyberattacks on water systems, why these systems are vulnerable, and what kind of protections exist for utilities of all sizes.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING: Jack’s Doing It, How About You
Restoring a forgotten waterway to its historic abundance and health requires a motivating effort that transforms obstacles into success. Do you know anyone like that? Water is a Many Splendor ’ed Thing and Conversations brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Produced by Stephen Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co 530-205-6388In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
Indigenous voices: Tribal kayakers describe why Klamath voyage was ‘not just a river trip
“Over a hundred family and community members gathered on the sand spit shore below Requa Village on the Yurok Reservation, where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean, to welcome 120 Indigenous youth kayakers over that last 30 days, making history as the first people to descend over 310 miles down the free-flowing Klamath River since dam removal. “This is a historical moment for us,” said Susan Masten, former Yurok Tribal Chair, past president of the National Congress of American Indians, and the president and co-founder of Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations. “We haven’t had the opportunity yet to celebrate the dams coming down as a people.” “This moment in time, with these youth that have traveled 30 days, the river has guided them down to us,” said Masten. … ” Read more from Oregon Live.
EPA launches probe into ‘thick, poisonous smoke’ in Northern California
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched an investigation into the illegal pesticides crisis plaguing Siskiyou County after the board of supervisors declared a local state of emergency and requested Gov. Gavin Newsom’s support earlier this month. “I take this very seriously; I have directed Region 9 EPA law enforcement to investigate these issues immediately,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Region Administrator Josh F.W. Cook in a statement Thursday. “We will be working with other County, State and Federal agencies to ensure Californians are protected and our environmental laws are upheld.” The county’s board of supervisors voted 5-0 to declare the emergency on July 1 due to the “escalating threat posed by the illegal use of highly toxic pesticides associated with illicit cannabis cultivation and processing operations,” officials said. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Redwood Valley could secure drought protection under new water plan
“Two Mendocino County water agencies are moving forward with a plan to give Redwood Valley better access to drought supplies, according to a press release from the Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District (RRFC). The district announced it is proposing to annex the entire Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) service area into its boundary. This would not dissolve RVCWD or change its governance, as the local board would continue managing operations. Under the proposal, RVCWD could purchase and use RRFC water — sourced from the Russian River and Lake Mendocino — throughout its service area. That would put Redwood Valley in line with other water retailers, such as Millview, Willow, Hopland, Calpella, Rogina Mutual, and River Estates Mutual, which already hold contracts with RRFC, according to the press release. … ” Read more from Mendo Fever.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Lake Tahoe workshop launches key global conservation initiatives for freshwater fish
“Scientists, policy leaders and conservation experts from five continents have advanced several major initiatives to protect migratory freshwater fish and their habitats following a high-level workshop held July 15-17 at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. The Migratory Fish and Global Swimways Workshop, hosted by the University’s Tahoe Institute for Global Sustainability with support from PlusFish Philanthropy, produced a series of concrete outcomes that will directly inform global conservation work leading up to the 2026 United Nations Convention on Migratory Species COP15 summit in Brazil. These outcomes include identification of freshwater fish species for potential Convention on Migratory Species listing, and designation of globally significant migration corridors, including the Truckee River from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
Sen. Schiff leads California and Nevada Senators in upholding bipartisan EXPLORE Act to benefit Lake Tahoe Basin
“Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) in requesting U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum to ensure Lake Tahoe Basin benefits from the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, which was signed into law last Congress. In the letter, the lawmakers urge the agencies to take action on the opportunities presented by theEXPLORE Act, which includes improving outdoor recreation access on U.S. public lands, supporting gateway communities, strengthening conservation efforts, and boosting outdoor recreation economy. “Lake Tahoe is a beautiful, unique environment that both our states cherish and enjoy for its plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities and its precious natural resource value,” the Senators wrote.“We follow a line of previous California and Nevada Senators who have worked with numerous administrations across decades to preserve and protect Lake Tahoe for Californians, Nevadans, and the millions of people from beyond our states who visit Tahoe every year.” … ” Read more from Senator Schiff.
Carnelian Bay sewage spill settlement proposed at $850,000 after major lake contamination
“A proposed $850,000 settlement has been announced following a significant sewage spill in Carnelian Bay that happened last summer. The spill was caused when a subcontractor working on a Caltrans pedestrian crossing project punctured a 24-inch sewer force main within the Caltrans right-of-way along Highway 28, according to the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. On July 19, 2024, health advisories and closures were implemented at Carnelian Bay West and Patton Landing beaches after an unnamed private contractor accidentally hit the sewer line near Gar Wood’s parking lot. This incident resulted in approximately 125,000 gallons of untreated sewage being spilled, with about 85,000 gallons leaking into Lake Tahoe. … ” Read more from My News 4.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Board approves plan to raze 600 trees on American River Parkway in Sacramento
“They combed through more than 8,000 pages of reports. They consulted lawyers and engineers and arborists. They organized civic actions drawing hundreds, all protesting a plan to raze about 600 trees north of the Watt Avenue bridge. These demonstrations by environmental advocacy nonprofits attempted to persuade the Central Valley Flood Protection Board to either pause or vote against destroying trees and disrupting wildlife on the American River Parkway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which proposed the plan, said the area needs rocks to fortify banks and prevent erosion. Board members voted Friday unanimously to approve a final Corps report, clearing the last hurdle for construction to begin. … Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
BAY AREA
Marin water districts boost conservation efforts
“Blue glow agave, gold fernleaf yarrow and California fuchsia are among the plants featured at a new low-water-use demonstration garden at the North Marin Water District headquarters in Novato. Looking to help customers replace their thirsty lawns with these and other drought-tolerant plants, the district recently unveiled the garden and increased its cash-for-grass rebate incentive hoping to promote change. Last month, the rebate increased 50 cents, to $1.50 per square foot of lawn area replaced with qualifying plantings, up to $1,500 per house. Projects that meet an extra set of standards can earn a bonus $1 per square foot. The new incentives are supported by an influx of grant funding, including $87,750 from the Bureau of Reclamation. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Ross Valley flood fee to remain flat for 2025-26
“For the fourth consecutive fiscal year, Ross Valley property owners will not face a fee hike for Flood Control Zone 9 projects. “We are not recommending an increase to the storm drainage fee this year,” Christopher Blunk, the county public works director, told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. The average fee for a house is $153.76. In 2007, residents in San Anselmo, Ross, Larkspur, Fairfax and the unincorporated communities of Greenbrae, Kentfield, Sleepy Hollow and Oak Manor narrowly approved the creation of a 20-year stormwater drainage fee to generate money for flood control projects. The area sustained major flood damage in 1982. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Zone 7, Pleasanton reach settlement in lawsuit over collection of water connection fees
“After more than a year since Zone 7 Water Agency filed a lawsuit against the city of Pleasanton alleging it failed to pay over $18 million in connection fees, the two entities have reached a settlement agreement, according to a statement from the city. The city and Zone 7 officially entered the agreement on Thursday, reaffirming both agencies’ commitment to collaboration and their shared responsibility in providing safe, reliable water for the community, officials said. As part of the settlement, the city and Zone 7 will revise the existing agreement that governs how connection fees are collected, bringing greater clarity to each agency’s roles and responsibilities moving forward. Additionally, together they will complete the city’s planned water meter replacement project within three years. … ” Read more from Pleasanton Weekly.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Stockton cleaned up the sunken cruise ship Aurora. Now the city has the final bill
“The long and strange saga of the derelict cruise ship M/V Aurora has come due, as the Stockton City Council this week approved more than $8.2 million for the salvage and disposal. The payment caps one of the most complex and costly environmental cleanups in recent Stockton history, but may not be the city’s final chapter. Who was at fault in abandoning the ship and who else – if anyone – might be held responsible for the cleanup costs is still an open question. The 297-foot vessel, which had been abandoned and moored in Little Potato Slough for several years, sank near the end of Eight Mile Road in May 2024, spilling diesel fuel, oil, and other pollutants into a key section of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. … ” Read more from Stocktonia.
Residents in Stanislaus County’s Diablo Grande shoulder massive debt amid water crisis
“Residents in the Stanislaus County community of Diablo Grande said they’re on the hook for a $13 million water debt, and they’re not getting any help. Homeowners there are now paying a base rate of nearly $600 a month just to keep their water on until December 31. Community members met with Congressman Adam Gray’s office Friday morning to discuss their ongoing water crisis. Residents said that they’re hearing the same thing they’ve heard from other government officials. Diablo Grande resident Debra Antigua said it’s a finger-pointing game when it comes to who will step in to protect the community’s water supply. … ” Read more CBS News.
Experts make incredible discovery while checking traps in national wildlife refuge: ‘It’s like a unicorn sitting right in front of us’
“A hyperlocal rodent species made a rare appearance in California, according to The Modesto Bee. Two elusive riparian woodrats were caught in traps along the banks of the San Joaquin River by National Wildlife Refuge staff. Researchers followed up by setting trail cameras to capture any others in action and managed a few nocturnal sightings. The endangered riparian woodrat hadn’t been seen since 2017. Endemic to the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge and the environs west of Modesto, it was feared that floods had destroyed its habitat. Researchers theorize that the woodrats have adapted and taken to the nearby treeline. “We’re in an area that floods really frequently,” River Partners restoration ecologist Haley Mirts said, per the Bee. “Woodrats in other parts of the state aren’t known for being super arboreal, but we think they’ve adapted to living in the trees and then feeding a lot off of the trees.” … ” Read more from The Cool Down.
Tulare County set to form new GSA
“It may be a little premature as the matter still needs approval of his fellow Tulare County supervisors, but it’s hard to say if congratulations or condolences are appropriate for Tulare County supervisor Dennis Townsend, who’s set to become the director of a new Groundwater Sustainability Agency, GSA. “Probably condolences,” said Townsend, jokingly. “But we’ve got to do it.” As a scheduled matter at its 9 a.m. meeting on Tuesday the Tulare County Board of Supervisors will consider a joint powers agreement between the county, the Ducor Water District and the Hope Water District to form the Tule East Groundwater Sustainability Agency. As part of the action the board will also consider making Townsend the agency’s director. … ” Read more from the Porterville Recorder.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Is it finally time to ban new homes in the Rancho Palos Verdes’ landslide zone?
“After almost two years of unprecedented landslide movement that has upended life across much of the picturesque Portuguese Bend area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, officials want to permanently ban new construction in the landslide zone. The proposed ordinance, which has drawn backlash from some property owners, would prohibit construction of new homes or additions in the area — even on vacant lots, of which many remain. However, it would permit repairs, restoration efforts or even the replacement of existing homes within a residence’s established footprint. The measure will be considered next month by the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council. “This is not an area that should accommodate new residences,” said City Manager Ara Mihranian. “We are at a point where we have seen such severe damage. … I’ve got to give recommendations that have public safety and public interest in mind.” … ” Read more from the LA Times.
Along the Colorado River …
Southern Nevada data centers used a ton of water in 2024. Here’s how
“The centerpiece of Flexential’s North Las Vegas data center is a massive room holding server boxes with blue and yellow wires twisting above. Walking between servers sectioned off behind cages and ceiling-high panels, the facility feels oddly chilly. Servers typically generate large amounts of heat, but through different technologies, data centers quickly route it outside. Some of these methods involve evaporating a lot of water. Flexential’s North Las Vegas facility is one of more than 30 data centers spread across the Las Vegas Valley. Other facilities belong to companies such as Switch and Google, which has a site in Henderson. Data centers provide infrastructure necessary to support websites, data storage and even online gaming. In Nevada, the country’s driest state, the recent growth of generative artificial intelligence has put increased attention on data centers’ power demands and the water needed to cool servers. This comes as Lake Mead risks hitting crisis levels, and more groundwater has been signed away in parts of Northern Nevada than is actually available. … ” Read more from the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Most of Arizona still in drought despite improvement over past 3 months
“Arizona remains drier than normal, even with rain falling over the past few months. The weekly report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows 97% of Arizona in “moderate drought” or worse. However, when it comes to “extreme drought,” there is a significant improvement compared to three months ago. In the most recent report visualized by the map below, the only parts of Arizona not in at least severe drought are the yellow patches in Coconino County and Apache County. Even though this report was released on Thursday, it only includes rainfall through Tuesday. That means it does not include the rain that moved into parts of the high country on Tuesday and Wednesday. … ” Read more from Arizona Family.
Arizona OKs water transfer to allow growth in far Phoenix suburbs
“State water officials on Friday approved the first-ever legal transfer of water from rural Arizona into one of the state’s “active management areas’’ that have restrictions on growth. The Arizona Department of Water Resources will allow Buckeye to withdraw up to 5,926 acre-feet of water a year from the Harquahala basin in western Arizona for up to 110 years. That is enough to serve more than 17,000 homes. In the same order, the agency said Queen Creek can take up to 5,000 acre-feet a year, sufficient to build about 15,000 homes. All this comes two years after ADWR refused to issue any permits for new subdivisions in some areas of both communities after concluding they lacked the legally required 100-year supply of water. That resulted in a lawsuit by the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, which said the agency’s modeling is flawed. … ” Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.
Phoenix will get nearly $180M in federal funds to help build advanced water purification facility
“Phoenix is set to receive nearly $180 million in federal funding to help build a new advanced water purification facility — a project city leaders say is critical to both economic growth and long-term water resilience. The funding, announced by Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, will support the design and construction of the North Gateway Advanced Water Purification Facility in north Phoenix. Once completed, the facility is expected to treat up to 8 million gallons of wastewater daily and convert it into potable water — a vital resource in the face of ongoing drought and growing population demand. … ” Read more from KJZZ.
Tucson deal: ‘Project Blue’ data centers would thirst for water & electricity
“A pair of data centers proposed for Tucson would use more water than four golf courses when fully built out, and be energized with more power than any other TEP customer, according to city documents released Monday. While City Manager Tim Thomure said he’s supportive of the proposal, elected members of the City Council have sounded notes of caution, with at least one declaring he’s a solid “no” so far. While the Council has yet to discuss the project, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved rezoning and selling a county-owned parcel to the developers last month. The initial project, on the Southeast Side, will require annexation into the city to procure the massive amounts of water required to cool the planned operation. Another associated data center is being planned for a different location somewhere within the city limits, officials said. … ” Read more from News from the States.
Arizonans support collaboration, investments in water
“We are at a critical juncture in Arizona’s water history. Significant water agreements are reaching expiration and longstanding water issues can no longer be ignored. At the same time, hotter temperatures and variable precipitation are straining water supplies in our already arid state. Arizonans know that water is a precious, life-giving resource—to cities, Tribes, businesses, farms, wildlife, habitats, and outdoor recreation. A recent poll (conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Walton Family Foundation) indicates that Arizonans overwhelmingly support dedicated funding for water resilience and conservation projects and are concerned about Colorado River and groundwater supplies being available into the future. … ” Read more from Audubon.
Colorado’s Water Plan shapes the future as more funds flow into stream restoration
“As the West’s “headwaters state,” The future of water in Colorado carries high stakes for its downstream neighbors. Water from the state’s eight major river basins sustains people living in nineteen states and Mexico, including five of the United States’ top ten agricultural states. It powers the region’s energy industry, drives a growing recreational economy, flows through more than six national parks and fifteen national forests, and supports countless habitats and the birds that depend on them. Many of Colorado’s headwater streams, high-elevation wet meadows, and riparian (streamside) wetlands have been degraded from decades of intensive grazing, conversion to agriculture, and flow diversions to irrigation ditches or constructed ponds. In healthy conditions, these stream and wetland ecosystems provide natural water storage, soaking up spring snowmelt like a sponge and slowly releasing that water throughout the summer and into the fall. … ” Read more from Audubon.
In national water news this weekend …
E.P.A. says it will eliminate its scientific research arm
“The Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday that it would eliminate its scientific research arm and begin firing hundreds of chemists, biologists, toxicologists and other scientists, after denying for months that it intended to do so. The move underscores how the Trump administration is forging ahead with efforts to slash the federal work force and dismantle federal agencies after the Supreme Court allowed these plans to proceed while legal challenges unfold. Government scientists have been particular targets of the administration’s large-scale layoffs. The decision to dismantle the E.P.A.’s Office of Research and Development had been widely expected since March, when a leaked document that called for eliminating the office was first reported by The New York Times. But until Friday, the Trump administration maintained that no final decisions had been made. … ” Read more from the New York Times.
New maps reveal 73 million people exposed to PFAS in US drinking water above EPA standards
“Over 73 million people in the US are being exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals in their tap water, according to an analysis of data from a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water monitoring program. Unsafe levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in excess of EPA thresholds in every US state but Arkansas, Hawaii and North Dakota, according to the analysis published July 17 by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). NRDC released maps built on the data, and said the research shows that people across the country will be impacted by an EPA plan to rescind drinking water limits for four PFAS chemicals and push back compliance deadlines for two others. The Trump administration reversed plans announced under President Joe Biden a little more than a year ago to set enforcement limits for the six PFAS chemicals. … ” Read more from The New Lede.
Regulatory watchdogs slam Trump push to cut public out of rulemaking
“Regulatory experts are raising red flags about a potential sea change in federal rulemaking that is being quietly implemented by the administration, giving President Donald Trump more authority to act without public input or accountability. The Coalition for Sensible Safeguards, a nonprofit alliance of over 200 consumer, labor, scientific, research and public interest groups, found that Trump is trying to take more action quickly to limit effective oversight. “In its unlawful and unprecedented push to cut the public out of the regulatory process, the Trump administration’s goal is ensure that the public will have no say when it rolls back regulations that protect them,” said Sam Berger, author of the report and consultant to the coalition. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
